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KIRKUS REVIEW

B. Bear and Lolly are back in a tale
about owning up to mistakes…and maybe about anger and vengeance too (B. Bear and Lolly: Off to School, 2014).

The “Goldilocks” best friends have a
vexing new invention—the porridge their Porridge Perfecter turns out is never
quite right. But before they can try again, “BAM!” The Gingerbread Man runs
through and destroys the machine, not even stopping to say sorry or help clean
up. B. Bear is upset and sad, and Lolly is angry: “Let’s go get him!” But
though the two try, readers familiar with the Gingerbread Man’s story will know
that he can’t be caught, and his taunting only makes Lolly angrier. “I just
want to crumble that cookie!” she yells. Readers might run from Lolly’s
expression, too. After a chase scene populated by characters from many fairy
tales, the imperfect porridge provides the answer. The Gingerbread Man trembles
before the triumphant friends but is immediately contrite, and with his help,
not only is the invention fixed, but it actually makes porridge that is “just
right.” Chou’s bright illustrations are full of nifty details, though the
flatness of the digital artwork can sometimes make them difficult to pick out.

The mix of fairy tales is fun, but
though things work out for the three friends in the end, Lolly may seem too
vengeful for many readers, adult or child. (Picture book. 4-8)

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